The Latest from Small Groups
A Visit from an Old Friend
Terry and Linda Greer’s small group had a visit this past Thursday night from an old friend of theirs and World Outreach Church. Gena, who is a mighty warrior from Belarus came to visit this past week and had the opportunity to share some of the amazing things going on in his nation. His faithful endurance as a Christ follower, to live for a greater purpose, challenges his life on a daily basis. Hearing his courageous stories brought strength and encouragement to the whole group. Knowing him personally has changed Terry and Linda’s family and they knew it would do the same for their group.
Series Groups
Series Groups are popping up several times a year to provide people the opportunity to try small group for a 4 week period of time, both in homes and on campus. What a great way to experience community even if your schedule will not allow you to participate in a long term on going group. The joy of healthy Christ centered relationships can be the vehicle for transformation for anyone at WOC.
We appreciate the following people who opened up their homes for the New Years Sermon series four week groups. These groups have provided a unique opportunity for people to attend a group close to their home and on campus. The groups meet for a limited time offering a sampling of what small groups are like here at WOC.
This photo is a handful of the volunteer leaders who prioritized their lives to offer their leadership for this past January Series. If you missed out make sure you watch for the Fall Group to start and sign up when they are advertised in the bulletin in August 2010.
We look forward to new short term groups opening across the community again. Please visit our web site or look at the weekend’s bulletin for new groups.
Shawn and Bette McFarland
Paul and Christy Goco
Steve and Diane Cummings
Thom and Suzanne Scott
Julie Im and Amy Ayer
Eric and Katie Neel
Charles and Jenny Snoddy
Donnie and Shawn White
Chad and Shelly Molitor
Andy and Susanna Foster
Glen Price and Martha Price
Frank and Pat Limbaugh
Tracey and Beth Binkley
Julie and Mark Byrnes -
Julie Wishing and Cynthia Peltier
Tom and Tina Lombard
Don and Ophelia Langford
Josh and Rachel Bunn
Tree Zupanich
Laurie Munson
Debbie Mann
Mary Jane and Suki Brannon
Mitch and Susan Martin
Bret and Jan Tesnow
Small Groups Respond to Tornado
Since the tornados on Good Friday devastated our community, stories have poured in about the grace and protection of and the love and support provided by the church family. One example is the work of the Wednesday & Thursday night Men’s groups who led a service project to clean up properties of two WOC families affected by the Good Friday tornado. After making contact with these particular families, the Men’s groups divided into two groups and covered both sites. These families hit by the tornado were overwhelmed and grateful for the help. In true Tennessee southern hospitality, the service groups reported they just kept thanking the workers and us and i apologizing because they could not offer them something to eat or drink! The WOC volunteers were touched that even though these families were living without water or electricity, they were still concerned with the comfort of the workers. The service team did general clean of debris, cut up uprooted trees, and worked to remove portions of neighbors’ houses blown into others’ yards and many other tasks. In addition to helping the WOC families, this group also ministered to their neighbors, also in need.
The participants of this service group were Richard Vashkovitz, Ray Eckerson, Darian Cordell, Jim Jobe, Andy Britt and his son Kyle, Micky Kelly, Barry & Joy Clement and granddaughter Elizabeth, Steven & Donna Henry and Alfredo Surillo.
Small Groups Make Thanksgiving Special
World Outreach Small Group volunteers gave their holiday time to prepare and deliver Thanksgiving Dinner with Meals on Wheels through the Salvation Army on Thanksgiving Day. Over 100 meals were delivered to the elderly and shut-ins in our community. The blessing of serving is the gift we love to give away. Many thanks to Melissa Shields of the Salvation Army for her help with the project.
WOC Runner’s Club
The WOC Runner’s Club is a combination of novice and intermediate runners meeting weekly to share their enthusiasm for running and for building relationships with other believers. You are sure to find people in the group who run your pace or others ready to help you go to the next level. Spiritual growth and community happen when we run the race together. The Runner’s Club meets every Saturday morning at 6:30. Please Contact Erin if you are interested in the group at magesty12@yahoo.com
Isaiah 40:29-31
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Mostly Moms
Mostly Moms Christmas GivingThe Mostly Moms small groups worked to make this a very special Christmas for 10 WOC children whose families are experiencing personal and financial difficulties during the holidays. These moms purchased gifts to show God's love and bless these children with those items most meaningful to them. Not only did they express their love with gifts but even more importantly with their prayers. At their group they spent time wrapping each gift with care and giving thanks for the opportunity. May we all find opportunities to celebrate his holy day by giving, by serving, and by loving God's kids.
Mostly Moms Join Together for Children
The Wednesday morning Mostly Moms groups blessed other mothers with a recent project that donated simple basic school supplies, many take for granted, but for others are a huge financial burden. These generous girls worked with group coach Angela Jackson on options and process. After assessing the needs in our congregation, each group was assigned 1-2 children to be supplied with the school items. Each group member signed up for specific supplies to purchase from the child's list. At their next meeting, they put together the supplies and prayed for each child. Every child received a backpack for their supplies, filled with toys and candy as well. Each backpack had a preprinted note from the Mostly Moms groups, wishing them a wonderful school year and letting them know they that prayer advocates. Our moms were excited about demonstrating the love of God in a tangible way through this outreach.
